Kolitschite is a rare lead-zinc tellurate mineral typically found as a secondary phase in the oxidation zones of ore deposits. It is most frequently encountered as soft, yellow earthy crusts or powdery coatings associated with other tellurium-bearing species. It is a highly sought-after rarity for systematic mineral collectors due to the scarcity of tellurate minerals.
Is this kolitschite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch kolitschite with a known reference. Kolitschite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kolitschite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kolitschite typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: powdery aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Kolitschite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Emmonsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 2-3); streak differs — Kolitschite leaves yellow, Emmonsite leaves pale yellow; luster reads earthy on Kolitschite and vitreous on Emmonsite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads earthy on Kolitschite and vitreous on Quetzalcoatlite.
Often found alongside kolitschite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kolitschite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₃Zn(Te⁶⁺O₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Powdery Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kolitschite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Moctezuma, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where kolitschite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumebite, beudantite, smithsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kolitschite on the map
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